Bangladesh seeks stronger ties with Senegal

Bangladesh has renewed its commitment to strengthening ties with African nations, including Senegal, State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam said during a bilateral meeting with Senegalese Foreign Minister Cheikh Niang. 

The meeting took place on the sidelines of the Dakar International Forum on Peace and Security in Africa in Dakar, where both sides discussed ways to expand cooperation.

Shama Obaed said the government led by Prime Minister Tarique Rahman aims to deepen engagement with African partners through stronger political and economic ties.

Niang welcomed Bangladesh’s participation in the forum and praised the delegation’s presence despite the long journey.

The state minister recalled the historic visit of former president Ziaur Rahman to Senegal in March 1981, describing it as a milestone in bilateral relations. She also briefed her counterpart on Bangladesh’s recent general elections and the mandate secured by the Bangladesh Nationalist Party.

Both ministers agreed to hold Foreign Office Consultations soon to strengthen dialogue and expand cooperation across sectors. Islam proposed forming a Joint Trade Commission and increasing exchanges of business delegations to boost trade and investment.

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She highlighted Bangladesh’s strengths in ready-made garments, textiles, pharmaceuticals, shipbuilding, leather, jute and ICT, and suggested cooperation in agriculture and agro-processing.

Niang expressed appreciation for Bangladesh’s contributions to peacekeeping and peacebuilding efforts in Africa and reaffirmed Senegal’s willingness to work closely with Dhaka in multilateral forums.

The two sides also discussed opening resident diplomatic missions in each other’s capitals.

Shama Obaed invited Niang to visit Bangladesh, and he accepted the invitation, expressing interest in travelling at a mutually convenient time.

Sadia Faizunnesa, Bangladesh’s ambassador to Morocco and ambassador-designate to Senegal, accompanied the state minister during the meeting.

Later in the day, Shama Obaed gave interviews to local media, highlighting the government’s initiatives to promote peace, development and stability, with a focus on women’s well-being.